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    1917 Springfield or Enfield

    I'm a new member to this blog or thread so please tell me if I'm out of line or doing something in error.

    I'm having difficulty identifying a rifle my grandfather had then passed to my father and now I have. I have located some research on the rifle but it seems to have a stock that I cannot find any pictures. The serial number is 35614. I have attached two photos of the rifle if that helps. I would like to know if there is a place I can go to find out more about the rifle history based on serial number, perhaps?
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    A Collector's View - The SMLE Short Magazine Lee Enfield 1903-1989. It is 300 8.5x11 inch pages with 1,000+ photo’s, most in color, and each book is serial-numbered.  Covering the SMLE from 1903 to the end of production in India in 1989 it looks at how each model differs and manufacturer differences from a collecting point of view along with the major accessories that could be attached to the rifle. For the record this is not a moneymaker, I hope just to break even, eventually, at $80/book plus shipping.  In the USA shipping is $5.00 for media mail.  I will accept PayPal, Zelle, MO and good old checks (and cash if you want to stop by for a tour!).  CLICK BANNER to send me a PM for International pricing and shipping. Manufacturer of various vintage rifle scopes for the 1903 such as our M73G4 (reproduction of the Weaver 330C) and Malcolm 8X Gen II (Unertl reproduction). Several of our scopes are used in the CMP Vintage Sniper competition on top of 1903 rifles. Brian Dick ... BDL Ltd. - Specializing in British and Commonwealth weapons Specializing in premium ammunition and reloading components. Your source for the finest in High Power Competition Gear. Here at T-bones Shipwrighting we specialise in vintage service rifle: re-barrelling, bedding, repairs, modifications and accurizing. We also provide importation services for firearms, parts and weapons, for both private or commercial businesses.
     

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    The stock has been "sporterized" which is why you aren't able to easily identify it.
    It is either a US M1917 Enfield, or a Britishicon P14.
    The US rifle chambers the 30-06 and the Pattern 14 chambers the .303 cartridge.

    Searching for the original model should give you plenty of info.

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    Thread Starter
    Merle,

    Thank you very much for the input. That makes so much sense about the stock. It appears so old that I didn't know if they had mad changes or not. I will continue the research. Thanks again for your time and information.

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    Legacy Member Merle's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by wdmorgan52 View Post
    Merle,

    Thank you very much for the input. That makes so much sense about the stock. It appears so old that I didn't know if they had mad changes or not. I will continue the research. Thanks again for your time and information.

    FYI: this was probably modified back in the 50s or 60s, and was often called an "economy sporter" or something similar. Mostly cut down the fore end to the shorter length you found desirable, then discard the upper hand guard - and "voila" you have a hunting rifle.....

    I've had several similar - some I cut down & some I bought that way.
    Not hard to do with a rifle you paid $9.95 for......

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    "...continue the research..." The Pattern 14 and 17(AKA P-14 and P-17) were designed at Enfield, but made in the States. The Pattern 17 was an alternate standard rifle for the U.S. during W.W. I due to them not having enough 1903 Springfields. It's known as The American Enfield for that reason.
    Read this. American Rifleman | The Model 1917 U.S. Enfield
    To determine the calibre you can slug the barrel. Means you hammer a .30 calibre cast bullet or suitable sized lead fishing sinker through the barrel using a 1/4" brass rod and a plastic mallet, preferably from the chamber end, with the rifle in a padded 4" bench vise. Then measure the bullet/sinker with a micrometer. The .303 Brit used a .311" bullet. The .30-06 a .308" bullet.
    It's far easier to do than type. Also assumes you have the vise.
    If you have any doubts about doing it yourself, take it to a smithy.
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    Pictures of the top of the receiver and top front of the barrel would be helpful. I am suspecting that your rifle is a M1917 Eddystone in .30-06. I remember these rifles being given away at Sears for $9.95 US back in the late 50's and early 60's.

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